Recently, Arthur van der Vant spoke with CommunityBlogOnline about a process known as the Assignment for Benefit of Creditors, or ABC, and how it may help a business continue to operate when facing serious debt.
CommunityBlogOnline: Thank you, Arthur van der Vant, for speaking with us today.
Arthur van der Vant:It is certainly my pleasure.
CommunityBlogOnline: Let’s get started, shall we? We know you’re outspoken in saying that an ABC assignment is more beneficial to a business than filing bankruptcy. But, can you tell us what exactly an assignee does?
Arthur van der Vant:The Assignee has many duties that may include investigating the assets of the debtor to determine their values; providing for an orderly liquidation of assets of the debtor; collecting Accounts Receivable and other debts owed to the debtor; or investigating any causes of action that may be available to the debtor’s estate that could generate additional funds for the estate.
CommunityBlogOnline:That sounds like a lot of responsibility.
Arthur van der Vant: Yes, it is. As the Assignee, one must investigate the prior acts and conduct of the debtor to determine that the Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors was made in good faith and that the assets of the business were not embezzled or otherwise reduced by the company’s owners or officers in an effort to defraud creditors.
CommunityBlogOnline:What about the debtor’s responsibilities?
Arthur van der Vant:It is similar to the duties imposed upon a debtor under the Bankruptcy Code.
CommunityBlogOnline:Can you elaborate, Arthur van der Vant?
Arthur van der Vant:Some of the duties of the debtor (Assignor in ABC) include assisting the assignee in the administration of the estate, delivering the assignee all the assets of the estate, and disclosing and submitting all the assignee’s financial records for examination.
CommunityBlogOnline:Does the assignee own the property?
Arthur van der Vant:Yes, but it depends on the state law. Under the Uniform Commercial Code §9-309 the Assignee will have a perfected lien on assets as of the date of the assignment, junior to any existing secured claims.
CommunityBlogOnline:Does placing a company in ABC stop other unsecured creditors?
Arthur van der Vant:The perfected lien recognition limits unsecured creditors’ ability to enforce a judgment (or pre-judgment writ) obtained after the assignment as they would be junior to the lien right of the assignee.
CommunityBlogOnline:And what about secured creditors who are in place ahead of the ABC?
Arthur van der Vant:Senior secured creditors’ rights are not affected by Assignee’s lien rights and they retain their right to their collateral after the assignment.
CommunityBlogOnline:Can the assignee liquidate the secured creditor’s collateral?
Arthur van der Vant:The assignee must first obtain the senior secured creditors’ consent.
CommunityBlogOnline:If the subject property or businesses is liquidated, what are the terms, Arthur van der Vant?
Arthur van der Vant:Assignee’s sales are on an “as is – where is” basis, without representation or warranty, other than the seller’s Assignee has the authority to enter into the sale and to deliver the acquired assets.
CommunityBlogOnline:Are there any creditors that take priority over others?
Arthur van der Vant:Yes, claims of any federal government agency have priority over all unsecured claims.
CommunityBlogOnline:That makes perfect sense. Unfortunately, this is all the time we have for today. We look forward to speaking with you again in the near future.
Arthur van der Vant: My pleasure.
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Ricky Lim says
I am very interested about the ABC process Arthur van der Vant, I think that was a good process to the people. I really admire you Arthur van der Vant for being a good receiver and a consultant. Thank you and more power Arthur van der Vant.
Arthur van der Vant says
@Ricky – I really appreciate your feedback, That was ABC methodology assigns an organization’s resource costs through activities to the products and services provided to its customers. “Arthur van der Vant Interview: Assignment of Benefit for Creditors” – Arthur van der Vant
Kevin Pierce says
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Arthur van der Vant says
@Kevin – It’s nice that I help you in a simple way, thank you also for leaving a good feedback. “Arthur van der Vant Interview: Assignment of Benefit for Creditors” – Arthur van der Vant
Mike Hill says
When I read the discussion of you Arthur van der Vant I am very impressed by the new information that you gave. What will be the biggest part of the that ABC process Arthur van der want? And how it is working? Thank you so much Arthur van der Vant.
Arthur van der Vant says
@Mike – Thank you for leaving a comment. Activity-based costing (ABC) is automating the data capture with an accounting extension that leads to the desired ABC model. Also ABC is considered a relatively costly accounting methodology. “Arthur van der Vant Interview: Assignment of Benefit for Creditors” – Arthur van der Vant
Martin Lee says
I really appreciate what you have done Arthur van der Vant. You have given us Arthur van der Vant full analysis of how a ABCs function in a particular state and how one might effect a specific company requires legal advice from insolvency council. Thank you very much Arthur van der Vant.
Arthur van der Vant says
@Martin – Thank you for the trust that you give to me. “Arthur van der Vant Interview: Assignment of Benefit for Creditors” – Arthur van der Vant
Kyle Smith says
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Arthur van der Vant says
@Kyle – I also believe in this ABC process and I think It is more effective. “Arthur van der Vant Interview: Assignment of Benefit for Creditors” Thanks for trusting me! – Arthur van der Vant